Leicester Tigers hold talks with Anthony Watson over shock new contract

Leicester are in negotiations to sign Anthony Watson to a shock new Tigers contract, although Mail Sport understands central funding from the RFU would not play a part in any possible deal.

Watson, 29, is out of contract at the end of the season and it had looked certain he would move abroad like several of his current international team-mates.

Castres were among a number of French clubs looking at the experienced England and Lions back amid a landscape of financial uncertainty and a reduced salary cap in the Premiership.

Last week, Leicester left Watson off their official list of players leaving the club at the end of the season and there is now hope at Welford Road he will stay at the Premiership semi-finalists.

‘We all know he is a top player and the club and Anthony are in conversations to try and make something happen,’ said Leicester’s interim head coach Richard Wigglesworth. ‘Nothing is sorted.’

Leicester Tigers are in negotiations over a shock new contract for back Anthony Watson

Watson’s (left) deal was set to run down at the end of the season and he was expected to leave

Head coach Richard Wigglesworth, however, has confirmed both parties are holding talks

With money tight in English rugby, Leicester’s last-gasp bid to keep hold of Watson will come as a surprise to many although there is still no guarantee he will stay.

Saracens boss Mark McCall has been one of several leading figures to call for English rugby to introduce central contracts for its leading players.

Mail Sport understands such a proposal is not currently on the cards and that Leicester hope to keep hold of Watson without the help of the RFU.

Meanwhile, Leicester are planning to appeal the red card given to Chris Ashton against Harlequins – one which could yet end his last season early.

Former England wing Ashton, who is retiring at the end of the season, was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Saturday.

If the decision is upheld he will miss Leicester’s Premiership semi-final with Sale this weekend and the final if the Tigers make it.

‘When we get the date of the hearing, which I would have thought would be Wednesday, we will contest it,’ Wigglesworth confirmed. ‘If we get it turned around he will be available.’